The state government has announced the recipients of the second round of Experience Nature Tourism Fund grants with 15 products and experiences supported across South Australia.

Designed to showcase the state’s natural landscapes and help attract domestic and international visitors, the fund already created new world-class tourism products and experiences last year.

The second round of funding brings the total allocated through the Experience Nature Tourism Fund to date to nearly $1 million in grants and a combined project value of almost $1.6 million.

An eco-tour encouraging visitors to South Australia to participate in citizen science on Kangaroo Island will help protect more vulnerable and endangered species in the region, after receiving the grant through the South Australian Tourism Commission.

Blending citizen science and nature exploration, Research & Discovery Coastal Tours Kangaroo Island (RAD KI) offers personalised land and sea based eco-tours to engage and educate visitors as they get up close and personal with the region’s rich wildlife.

The grant of $18,525, provided under the SATC’s $2 million Experience Nature Tourism Fund, will enable RAD KI to introduce a two-day eco-tour during which visitors collect and analyse data on vulnerable and endangered species.

RAD KI is one of 15 tourism products and experiences supported in the second round of the Fund announced today, as well as operators offering camel treks in the outback surrounding Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, walking tours in national parks across the Limestone Coast and an Aboriginal cultural tour in Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park.

Operators receiving grants are spread across regional South Australia, including the Adelaide Hills, Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu Peninsula, Flinders Ranges & Outback, Kangaroo Island, Limestone Coast, Murray River Lakes & Coorong, and Yorke Peninsula. 

Project types range from new accommodation and equipment to vehicle purchases and marketing.

The funding program runs over four financial years, with up to $500,000 available in each year.

Applications for round three funding will open early in the new financial year.

Other successful Fleurieu and KI projects in the second round include:

• The Backyard Universe – grant of $19,452 towards development of two new tours entering Deep Creek National Park and Talisker Conservation Park. 
• Untamed Escapes – grant of  $50,000 towards purchase of a new bus and tour trailer to operate a 3-day Kangaroo Island Adventure tour entering multiple national parks.
• Ngarrindjeri Lands and Progress Aboriginal Corporation – grant of $47,096 towards development of new Ngarrindjeri cultural walking tours in Coorong National Park.
• Canoe the Coorong  - grant of $37,818 towards purchase of a new vehicle to transport visitors to experience tours into Coorong National Park.

Roanna Horbelt, founder and eco tour guide RAD KI, says her organisation blends adventure, authenticity, and volunteer research tourism into personalised eco-tours on land and on the water.

“Our unique approach integrates citizen science into nature exploration, allowing visitors to actively engage in conservation efforts through hands-on data collection in ecologically sensitive areas, as they actively connect to the environment and country.

“This grant is invaluable in helping us to upgrade equipment to gather the robust data needed for more informed decision-making, as well as support a stronger online marketing presence.

“As South Australia's tourism landscape evolves, RAD KI aspires to stand out, becoming a compelling choice for visitors seeking an immersive experience that deepens their connection with Kangaroo Island's natural wonders.”

For more information on the Experience Nature Tourism Fund grants, visit the Tourism SA website.